The consolidated net after tax profits of HELEX for 9M 2009 amounted to €27.9m vs. €50.2m in 9M 2008, reduced by 44%. The consolidated turnover of the Group dropped by 38%, to €53.1m vs. €85.4m in 9M 2008.

This reduction is mainly due to the drop in prices in the cash market of the Athens Exchange, as the volume of transactions (number of shares traded) increased by 23% in 9M 2009 compared to the corresponding period last year. The total value of transactions in 9M 2009 amounted to €34.4bn vs. €64.7bn in 9M 2008, reduced by 47%.

In the derivatives market, in 9M 2009 the volume of transactions (number of contracts) dropped by 6% compared to 9M 2008 (40.2 thousand vs. 42.7 thousand contracts respectively).

During the second quarter of 2009, the Group also posted non-recurring revenue of €1.8m from the claim on the tax paid on the Capital Market Commission fee in fiscal year 2000.

Total operating expenses before depreciation amounted to €17.1m vs. €19.9m in the corresponding period last year, reduced by an impressive 14%.

The Group's EBIT in 9M 2009 amounted to €33.3m vs. €62.5m in the corresponding period last year, a 47% reduction.

The net profits per share in 9M 2009 amounted to €0.43 vs. €0.71 in the nine month period last year, reduced by 39%.

HELEX's financial statements are posted on the Company's website (www.helex.gr).